Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the lifecycle of biennial plants?

1. Live for one growing season

2. Live for two growing seasons

3. Live for three growing seasons

4. Live indefinitely

The correct answer is: Live for two growing seasons

Biennial plants are characterized by their unique lifecycle that spans two growing seasons. In the first year, they typically focus on vegetative growth, developing a root system, stems, and leaves while storing energy and nutrients. During this phase, they do not produce flowers or seeds. It is not until the second growing season that they complete their lifecycle by flowering, producing seeds, and eventually dying. This distinctive two-year cycle distinguishes biennials from annual plants, which complete their lifecycle in one year, and perennials, which live for more than two years and can produce flowers and seeds multiple times. Thus, option B accurately encapsulates the lifecycle of biennial plants, emphasizing the significance of their two-year growth and reproductive strategy.